Name: Turkey Kielbasa and Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound turkey kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1 pound baby potatoes, halved; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chicken broth (or more as needed); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal with tender potatoes, smoky turkey kielbasa, and a savory blend of seasonings, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or comfort food dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Turkey Kielbasa and Potato Skillet is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. Everything comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The combination of savory turkey kielbasa and tender potatoes creates a comforting meal that’s lighter than traditional sausage dishes but still packed with flavor. With minimal prep work and common ingredients, this skillet meal is both budget-friendly and delicious enough to please the whole family.

Turkey Kielbasa and Potato Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Turkey kielbasa delivers that signature smoky flavor. It browns beautifully and adds protein to make this dish satisfying and complete. If you prefer, you can substitute regular kielbasa or another smoked sausage.

Baby potatoes form the hearty base of this skillet meal. Their thin skins and creamy interiors soak up all the delicious flavors in the pan. You can use red, gold, or purple baby potatoes—whatever you have on hand. If you only have larger potatoes, simply cut them into bite-sized chunks.

Olive oil helps brown the kielbasa and sauté the vegetables, adding a subtle richness to the dish. Any neutral cooking oil can work in a pinch.

Onion provides a sweet aromatic foundation that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Yellow onions work best, but white or red onions are fine substitutes.

Garlic adds depth and that unmistakable savory note that pairs perfectly with potatoes and sausage. Fresh is best, but pre-minced garlic can save you time.

Smoked paprika is the secret ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive smoky depth. The warm, slightly sweet flavor complements the kielbasa beautifully. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work, but you’ll miss some of that smoky character.

Dried thyme contributes an earthy, slightly floral note that brightens the heartier flavors. Dried oregano or rosemary could work as alternatives.

Chicken broth helps steam the potatoes while adding flavor and preventing the ingredients from sticking to the pan. Vegetable broth makes a great substitute if you prefer.

Fresh parsley isn’t just a garnish—it adds a fresh, vibrant finish that balances the rich flavors of the dish. If you don’t have parsley, fresh chives or green onions can provide a similar bright finish.

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey kielbasa and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the halved baby potatoes to the skillet and season with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Add more broth if necessary to prevent sticking.
Once the potatoes are cooked, return the browned turkey kielbasa to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 380 calories. The entire dish comes together in just 35 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking—making it ideal for weeknight meals when time is limited.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add diced bell peppers, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and finish with crumbled feta cheese and olives.

German-Inspired: Include sauerkraut during the last 5 minutes of cooking and serve with a side of whole grain mustard.

Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños with the onions and incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.

Veggie-Packed: Toss in zucchini, yellow squash, or green beans during the last 7-8 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Breakfast Skillet: Top the finished dish with fried or poached eggs for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

Cheese Lover’s: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Gouda over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking and cover until melted.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they have time to meld.

Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. If you decide to freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating on Stovetop: For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Cover and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Microwave Reheating: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.

Meal Prep Tip: This dish makes excellent meal prep for lunches throughout the week. Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go convenience.

FAQs

What if my potatoes aren’t cooking evenly?

If your potatoes aren’t cooking evenly, it’s likely due to size differences. Try to cut all potatoes to roughly the same size before cooking. If some pieces are still firm while others are tender, you can cover the skillet and add a bit more broth, then continue cooking on low heat until all pieces reach the desired tenderness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this skillet meal reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. In fact, many people find the flavors improve after the ingredients have had time to meld overnight in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with this skillet dish?

While this is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the savory juices. For a heartier meal, a side of sauerkraut or braised cabbage complements the flavors perfectly.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute plant-based sausage for the turkey kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Many brands now make excellent plant-based kielbasa alternatives that provide similar texture and flavor.

My skillet dish came out too dry. What went wrong?

If your dish ended up dry, it’s likely that too much liquid evaporated during cooking. Make sure to keep the skillet covered while the potatoes are cooking, and don’t hesitate to add more broth if needed. Also, check that your heat isn’t too high—a gentle simmer is ideal.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, green beans, zucchini, or corn make excellent additions. Add firmer vegetables like bell peppers when you add the potatoes, and add softer vegetables like zucchini in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork with little resistance. The cooking time can vary based on the size of your potato pieces and the heat level, so it’s best to test for doneness rather than relying solely on timing.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes make a delicious variation! They may cook a bit faster than regular potatoes, so keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The combination of sweet potatoes with the smoky kielbasa creates a delightful sweet and savory contrast.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most turkey kielbasa is gluten-free, but it’s always important to check the packaging as some brands may contain gluten-based fillers or additives. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making this a good option for those avoiding gluten (with the appropriate kielbasa).

Conclusion

This Turkey Kielbasa and Potato Skillet embodies comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and efficiency; it transforms basic ingredients into a memorable meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for a hearty dish to fuel your day, this one-pan wonder delivers both nutrition and satisfaction.

The beauty of this skillet meal lies in its balance: lean turkey kielbasa provides protein without excess fat, while potatoes offer comforting substance. The aromatic blend of onions, garlic, and herbs creates depth that belies the recipe’s simplicity. As the dish simmers, your kitchen fills with an inviting aroma that’s sure to bring everyone to the table.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by incorporating seasonal vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. The foundation is solid, but the possibilities for personalization are endless. With its straightforward preparation and delightful results, this Turkey Kielbasa and Potato Skillet is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.